Continuous suction and intermittent irrigation for septic coxitis

This prospective study was undertaken on 42 children with septic arthritis of the hip diagnosed within 5 days of onset of symptoms. The mode of treatment used was continuous catheter suction and intermittent saline irrigation of the hip joint together with parenteral antibiotics. All but 4 children responded to this treatment; 2 of these were less than 3 years old. We conclude that continuous suction-irrigation is effective in children older than 3 years very early in the course of the disease; the majority need not undergo arthrotomy.